Injection distribution device

ABSTRACT

Embodiments of the present disclosure generally relate to apparatus and methods for controlling injection profile. One embodiment provides an injection distribution device. The injection distribution device includes a shield portion and a baffle portion. The baffle portion comprises a first baffle having a plurality of first openings formed therethrough, and a second baffle having a plurality of second openings formed therethrough. At least a portion of the first baffle overlaps with the second.

BACKGROUND

1. Field

Embodiments of the present disclosure relate to apparatus and methodsfor controlling injection distribution for production of hydrocarbonsfrom downhole wellbores.

2. Description of the Related Art

Steam or fluid injection, such as water injection, is widely used inmaintaining reservoir pressure, enhancing production of hydrocarbonreserves, and reducing the environmental impact. During steam or fluidinjection, steam or fluid is injected towards a reservoir from one ormore regions of an injection well to assist hydrocarbon recovery fromthe reservoir by producer wells.

During injection, a selected length of the injection well may be open toallow steam or fluid flow to a formation zone of the reservoir. Screensor liners are commonly used in the injection well to provide sandcontrol and/or equalize fluid distribution. However, traditionalinjection methods usually result in non-uniform injection profile whichnegatively affects oil recovery efficiency and causes damages to screensor liners.

The present disclosure provides apparatus and methods for controllingand improving injection distribution profile during injection.

SUMMARY

Embodiments of the present disclosure generally relate to apparatus andmethods for controlling injection profile.

One embodiment provides an injection distribution device. The injectiondistribution device comprises a shield portion and a baffle portion. Thebaffle portion comprises a first baffle having a plurality of firstopenings formed therethrough, and a second baffle having a plurality ofsecond openings formed therethrough. At least a portion of the firstbaffle overlaps with the second baffle.

Another embodiment provides an injection assembly for injecting fluid orsteam to a formation zone. The injection assembly comprises a base pipeincluding an inject port, a screen mechanism surrounding the base pipe,and an injection distribution device disposed between the base pipe andthe screen mechanism. The injection distribution device comprises ashield portion, wherein the shield portion is disposed over the injectport of the base pipe, and a baffle portion. The baffle portioncomprises a first baffle having a plurality of first openings formedtherethrough, a second baffle having a plurality of second openingsformed therethrough. At least a portion of the first baffle overlapswith the second baffle.

Another embodiment provides a method for injecting steam or liquid to aformation zone. The method comprises injecting a flow of an injectionsteam or liquid from an interior of a base pipe to an exterior of thebase pipe through an inject port formed through the base pipe, shieldinga screen mechanism surrounding the base pipe with a shield portion of aninjection distribution device and directing the flow of the injectionsteam or liquid from the port towards a baffle portion of the injectiondistribution device, and flowing the injection steam or liquid throughone or more baffles in the baffle portion and a screen mechanism to theformation zone.

Another embodiment provides an injection distribution device. Theinjection distribution device includes a first baffle having a pluralityof first openings, and a second baffle having a plurality of secondopenings. At least a portion of the second baffle overlap with the firstbaffle. The plurality of second openings are arranged so that flowresistance of through the second baffle varies along a length of thesecond baffle.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

So that the manner in which the above recited features of the presentdisclosure can be understood in detail, a more particular description ofthe various aspects, briefly summarized above, may be had by referenceto embodiments, some of which are illustrated in the appended drawings.It is to be noted, however, that the appended drawings illustrate onlytypical embodiments of this disclosure and are therefore not to beconsidered limiting of its scope, for the disclosure may admit to otherequally effective embodiments.

FIG. 1 is a schematic view of a production system having an injectionwell.

FIG. 2 is a schematic sectional view of an injection assembly accordingto one embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 3 is a partial enlarged view of the injection assembly of FIG. 2.

FIG. 4 is a schematic sectional view of the injection assembly of FIG.2.

FIG. 5 is a schematic sectional view of the injection assembly of FIG.2.

FIG. 6 schematically illustrates an injection distribution deviceaccording to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 7 schematically illustrates an injection distribution deviceaccording to another embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 8 is a schematic sectional view of an injection assembly accordingto another embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 9 schematically illustrates an injection distribution deviceaccording one embodiment of the present disclosure.

To facilitate understanding, identical reference numerals have beenused, where possible, to designate identical elements that are common tothe figures. It is contemplated that elements disclosed in oneembodiment may be beneficially utilized on other embodiments withoutspecific recitation. The drawings referred to here should not beunderstood as being drawn to scale unless specifically noted. Also, thedrawings are often simplified and details or components omitted forclarity of presentation and explanation. The drawings and discussionserve to explain principles discussed below, where like designationsdenote like elements.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In the following description, numerous specific details are set forth toprovide a more thorough understanding of the present disclosure.However, it will be apparent to one of skill in the art that the presentdisclosure may be practiced without one or more of these specificdetails. In other instances, well-known features have not been describedin order to avoid obscuring the present disclosure.

FIG. 1 is a schematic view of a production system having an injectionwell 10. The injection well 10 includes a tubular string 14 disposedfrom surface 11 in a wellbore casing 12. The injection well 10 mayinclude one or more injection assemblies 20 configured to inject afluid, such as water or steam, to a formation zone 22. A production well40 may be used to recover the hydrocarbons in the formation zone 22.Isolation packers 16 may be disposed between the one or more injectionassemblies 20 so that each of the one or more injection assemblies 20may be selectively activated. Each injection assembly 20 includes aperforated sleeve 18 and an injection distribution device 24. Theperforated sleeve 18 may be opened to allow injection steam or fluidfrom inside the tubular string 14 to the formation zone 22 via theinjection distribution device 24. The injection distribution device 24is configured to control the injection profile 26 of the injectionassembly 20. In one embodiment, the injection distribution device 24improves uniformity of the injection profile across the length of theinjection assembly 20.

FIG. 2 is a schematic sectional view of an injection assembly 200according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. The injectionassembly 200 may be used in an injection well, such as the injectionwell 10 of FIG. 1. The injection assembly 200 may include a base pipe202. An injection distribution device 228 may be disposed around thebase pipe 202. A screen mechanism 210 may be disposed around theinjection distribution device 228.

The base pipe 202 may be connected to a tubing, such as the tubingstring 14 of the injection well 10 of FIG. 1, to receive injection steamor fluid. The base pipe 202 may have one or more inject ports 204 formedtherethrough. The one or more inject ports 204 may provide a fluid pathto allow the injection steam or fluid to exit the base pipe 202. In oneembodiment, the one or more inject ports 204 are formed near one end ofthe base pipe 202.

A sliding sleeve 206 may be movably disposed in the base pipe 202 nearthe one or more inject ports 204. The sliding sleeve 206 may have aplurality of slit openings 208. The sliding sleeve 206 may move along anaxial direction of the base pipe 202 to selectively open and close theone or more inject ports 204. At an open position, as shown in FIG. 2,the plurality of slit openings 208 align with the one or more injectports 204 in the base pipe 202 to open the one or more inject ports 204.The injection assembly 200 may shift to a closed position (not shown) bymoving the sliding sleeve 206 axially relative to the base pipe 202 sothat a solid portion of the sliding sleeve 206 aligns with the injectports 204 to close the inject ports 204. Standard shifting tools, suchas shifting tools running on slickline, coiled tubing or wash pipe, maybe used to move the sliding sleeve 206 and shift the injection assembly200 between the open position and the closed position.

The screen mechanism 210 may cover the length of the base pipe 202 andthe injection distribution device 228. The screen mechanism 210 providesflow paths from the inject ports 204 to exterior environment, such asthe formation zone. The screen mechanism 210 also prevents any gravel orparticles in the formation zone from entering the inject ports 204 andthe base pipe 202. In one embodiment, the screen mechanism 210 may be awire screen having one or more wire segments winding helically to form atubular screen. In one embodiment, screen mechanism 210 may be a tubularscreen formed by one or more wire segments winding around a plurality ofribs 212. It should be noted that other suitable screen mechanism, suchperforated tubular and gravel packs, may be used instead of wire screen.The screen mechanism 210 may be secured to two ends of the base pipe 202by a joint structure 226.

The injection distribution device 228 is disposed between the screenmechanism 210 and the base pipe 202. In one embodiment, the injectiondistribution device 228 may have a length between about 15 to about 30foot. A gap is present between the injection distribution device 228 andthe screen mechanism 210 leaving a screen annulus 242 therebetween.Injection flow from the inject ports 204 is tuned by the injectiondistribution device 228 before reaching the screen annulus 242.

The injection flow out of the inject ports 204 is usually a highpressure and/or high temperature flow. For example, the injection flowout of the inject ports 204 may have a pressure up to 8,200 psi andtemperature up to 326° C. The screen mechanism 210 may be damaged ifencounters the injection flow from the inject ports 204 directly.Additionally, the injection flow directly from the inject ports 204concentrates around the inject ports 204 instead of distributed along alength of the base pipe 202, therefore, not efficient in improvingproduction in the formation zone. The injection distribution device 228is configured to shield the screen mechanism 210 from direct blasts bythe injection flow and to modify injection distribution profile alongthe screen mechanism 210. The injection distribution device 228 may be atubular body having a shield portion 236 with solid sidewalls and abaffle portion 238 made of perforated tubular bodies. The shield portion236 and the baffle portion 238 may be connected by an adaptor 240 toform a tubular body. The shield portion 236 surrounds the base pipe 202near the inject ports 204 to prevent injection flow from the injectports 204 directly hit the screen mechanism 210. The baffle portion 238allows the injection flow to distribute along the length of the screenmechanism 210.

The shield portion 236 may include an injection blast pipe 214. Theinjection blast pipe 214 surrounds the base pipe 202 around the injectports 204. The injection blast pipe 214 is a solid tubular withoutperforations. The inner diameter of the injection blast pipe 214 islarger than the outer diameter of the base pipe 202 forming an injectionannulus 230 between the injection blast pipe 214 and the base pipe 202.The injection blast pipe 214 prevents injection flow from the injectports 204 from directly reaching the screen mechanism 210. The injectionblast pipe 214 directs the injection flow from the inject ports 204along the axial direction towards the baffle portion 238.

The baffle portion 238 may include one or more baffles 216, 218. The oneor more baffles 216, 218 may be concentrically disposed between the basepipe 202 and the screen mechanism 210. The one or more baffles 216, 218may be perforated tubing. A distribution annulus 222 may be formedbetween the baffle 216 and the base pipe 202. A distribution annulus 224that is radially outwards from the distribution annular 222 may beformed between the baffle 216 and the baffle 218. The screen annulus 242may be formed between the baffle 218 and the screen mechanism 210. Thebaffles 216, 218 and the annulus 222, 224, 242 allow injection flow todistribute along the length of the screen mechanism 210.

A plurality of through holes 232 are formed therethrough the baffle 216.In one embodiment, the plurality of through holes 232 may be evenlydistributed along the baffle 216. Alternatively, at least one of size,density, shape, and pattern of the plurality of through holes 232 may bevaried along axial and/or azimuthal direction of the baffle 216 toachieve desired distribution profile along the injection assembly 210.Similarly, the baffle 218 has a plurality of through holes 234 formedtherethrough. The plurality of through holes 234 may be evenlydistributed or at least one of size, density, shape, and pattern of theplurality of through holes 234 may be varied along axial and/orazimuthal direction of the baffle 218.

Although the baffle portion 238 of FIG. 2 shows two baffles 216, 218,less or more baffles may be used in the baffle portion 238 depending onprocess requirement and/or geometrical limitation of the base pipe 202and the screen mechanism 210.

It should be noted that the injection distribution device 228 mayinclude two or more shield portions 236 when the base pipe 202 includestwo or more sets of inject ports. A shield portion 236 may be disposednear each set of the inject ports.

FIG. 3 is a partial enlarged view of the injection assembly 200 showinginjection flow near the inject ports 204. FIG. 4 is a schematicsectional view of the injection assembly 200 near the inject ports 204.When the sliding sleeve 206 is in the open position, injection fluid orsteam flows through the slit openings 208 in the sliding sleeve 206 andthe inject ports 204 in the base pipe 202 to the injection annulus 230.The injection blast pipe 214 shields the screen mechanism 210 from theinjection flow and guides the injection flow towards the distributionannulus 222.

FIG. 5 is a schematic sectional view of the injection assembly 200showing injection flow through the baffles 216, 218. In the distributionannulus 222, the injection fluid or steam may be distributed along thebaffle 216 by flowing axially away from the inject ports 204 andradially outwards via the through holes 232 to the distribution annulus224. In the distribution annulus 224, the injection fluid or steam maybe distributed along the baffle 218 by flowing axially towards theinject ports 204 and radially outwards via the through holes 234 to thescreen annulus 240. The injection fluid or steam may then exit thescreen annulus 240 through the screen mechanism 210 to the formationzone.

The injection fluid or steam is usually close to a point injection nearthe inject ports 204. The baffles 216, 218 functions to equalize thepoint injection along the length of the injection distribution device228. Patterns, dimensions and/or shapes of the through holes 232, 234 inthe baffles 216, 218 may be arranged to achieve a desired equalizationeffect.

FIG. 6 schematically illustrates a baffle pattern arrangement in aninjection distribution device according to one embodiment of the presentdisclosure. FIG. 6 illustrates patterns of an inner baffle 616 and anouter baffle 618. The inner baffle 616 and the outer baffle 618 may beconcentrically disposed. The inner baffle 616 may be used in position ofthe baffle 216 in FIG. 2. The outer baffle 618 may be used in positionof the baffle 218 in FIG. 2. A first end 616 a of the inner baffle 616and a first end 618 a of the outer baffle 618 are positioned proximal toan inject port, for example the inject port 204 of FIG. 2. A second end616 b of the inner baffle 616 and a second end 618 b of the outer baffle618 are positioned distal from the inject port.

The inner baffle 616 has a plurality of through holes 602 formedtherethrough. Resistance to flow through the inner baffle 616 may bedetermined by size, shape, and/or distribution of the plurality ofthrough holes 602. The plurality of through holes 602 are arranged sothat resistance to flow through the inner baffle 616 decreases along thedirection from the first end 616 a to the second end 616 b. Thedecreased flow resistance enables an equalized flow 604 from the firstend 616 a to the second end 616 b in the distribution annulus 222 of theinner baffle 616. To achieve the decreased resistance, the plurality ofthrough holes 602 may vary in size, shape and/or distribution. In oneembodiment, the plurality of through holes 602 are evenly distributedalong the inner baffle while the size of the plurality of through holes602 increases along the direction from the first end 616 a to the secondend 616 b. In another embodiment, the size of the plurality of throughholes 602 is constant while the density of the plurality of throughholes 602 increases along the direction from the first end 616 a to thesecond end 616 b. In another embodiment, as shown in FIG. 6, the size ofthe plurality of through holes 602 increases along the direction fromthe first end 616 a to the second end 616 b and the density of theplurality of through holes 602 increases along the direction from thefirst end 616 a to the second end 616 b. In another embodiment, thethrough holes 602 are configured to increase the flow through the holes602 or in the direction along the inner baffle 616.

The outer baffle 618 has a plurality of through holes 606 formedtherethrough. The plurality of through holes 606 are arranged so thatresistance to flow through the outer baffle 618 decreases along thedirection from the second end 618 b to the first end 618 a. Thedecreased flow resistance enables an equalized flow 608 from the secondend 618 b to the first end 618 a in the distribution annulus 224 of theouter baffle 618. To achieve the decreased flow resistance, theplurality of through holes 606 may vary in size, shape, and/ordistribution. In one embodiment, the plurality of through holes 606 areevenly distributed along the inner baffle while the size of theplurality of through holes 606 increases along the direction from thesecond end 618 b to the first end 618 a. In another embodiment, the sizeof the plurality of through holes 606 is constant while the density ofthe plurality of through holes 606 increases the direction from thesecond end 618 b to the first end 618 a. In another embodiment, as shownin FIG. 6, the size of the plurality of through holes 602 increasesalong the direction from the second end 618 b to the first end 618 a andthe density of the plurality of through holes 602 increases along thedirection from the second end 618 b to the first end 618 a.

The variation in flow resistance through the inner baffle 616 and theouter baffle 618 equalizes pressure and velocity of the injection flowalong the length of an outlet, such as the screen mechanism 210. Theequalized flow not only improves injection performance but also protectsthe screen mechanism from being damaged by high pressure and/or hightemperature injection flow.

FIG. 7 schematically illustrates a pattern arrangement for an injectiondistribution device according to another embodiment of the presentdisclosure. FIG. 7 illustrates patterns of an inner baffle 716 and anouter baffle 718. The inner baffle 716 and the outer baffle 718 may beconcentrically disposed. The inner baffle 716 may be used in position ofthe baffle 216 in FIG. 2. The outer baffle 718 may be used in positionof the baffle 218 in FIG. 2. A first end 616 a of the inner baffle 716and a first end 718 a of the outer baffle 718 are positioned towards aninject port, for example the inject port 204 of FIG. 2. A second end 716b of the inner baffle 716 and a second end 718 b of the outer baffle 718are positioned away from the inject port.

The inner baffle 716 has a plurality of through holes 702 formedtherethrough. The inner baffle 716 is similar to the inner baffle 616 ofFIG. 6. The plurality of through holes 702 are arranged so that fluidresistance through the inner baffle 716 decreases along the directionfrom the first end 716 a to the second end 716 b. The decreased flowresistance enables a flow 704 from the first end 716 a to the second end716 b in the distribution annulus 222 thus facilitate equalized flowalong the length of the inner baffle 716.

The outer baffle 718 has a plurality of through holes 706 formedtherethrough. The plurality of through holes 706 are arranged so thatfluid resistance through the outer baffle 718 remains substantiallyconstant along the length of the outer baffle 718. In one embodiment,the plurality of through holes 706 are of the same size and evenlydistributed along the outer baffle 718. The constant resistancearrangement enables minimal total flow resistance by the outer baffle718, therefore, allowing more flow and increasing efficient.

FIG. 8 is a schematic sectional view of an injection assembly 800according to another embodiment of the present disclosure. The injectionassembly 800 is similar to the injection assembly 200 of FIG. 2 exceptthat the injection assembly 800 has a base pipe 802 that includes twosets of inject ports 204 and 804. The two set of the inject ports 204and 804 are positioned on opposite sides of an injection distributiondevice 828. A second sliding sleeve 806 having a plurality of slitopenings 808 is disposed inside the base pipe 802 to selectively openand close the second set of ports 804. The injection distribution device828 includes two injection blast pipes 214, 814 disposed over the injectports 204, 804 respectively. One or more baffles, such as an innerbaffle 816 and an outer baffle 818, are disposed between the injectionblast pipes 214, 814 to equalize injection flows come from both injectports 204, 804. The two sets inject ports 204 and 804 may open togetheror separately to achieve desired injection profile.

FIG. 9 schematically illustrates a through hole arrangement patternsuitable for the injection assembly 800. A first end 816 a of the innerbaffle 816 and a first end 818 a of the outer baffle 818 are the slidingsleeve 206 of FIG. 2. A second end 816 b of the inner baffle 816 and asecond end 818 b of the outer baffle 818 are positioned near the secondsliding sleeve 806.

The inner baffle 816 has a plurality of through holes 906 formedtherethrough. The outer baffle 818 has a plurality of through holes 910formed therethrough. In one embodiment, the through holes 906, 910 maybe arranged so that flow resistances through the inner baffle 816 andthe outer baffle 818 are symmetrical about a middle line 902.

The plurality of through holes 906 are arranged so that flow resistancethrough the inner baffle 816 decreases along the direction from thefirst end 816 a to the middle line 902 and along the direction from thesecond end 816 b to the middle lien 902. The decreased flow resistanceenables a flow 904 from the first end 816 a to the center line 902 andfrom the second end 816 b to the middle line 902. To achieve thedecreased resistance, the plurality of through holes 902 may vary insize, shape, and/or distribution. In one embodiment, the plurality ofthrough holes 906 are evenly distributed along the inner baffle 816while the size of the plurality of through holes 906 increases from thefirst end 816 a to the middle line 902 and from the second end 816 b tothe middle line 902. In another embodiment, the size of the plurality ofthrough holes 906 is constant while the density of the plurality ofthrough holes 906 increases from the first end 816 a to the middle line902 and from the second end 816 b to the middle line 902. In anotherembodiment, the size of the plurality of through holes 906 increasesfrom the first end 816 a to the middle line 902 and from the second end818 b to the middle line 902 and the density of the plurality of throughholes 906 increases from the first end 816 a to the middle line 902 andfrom the second end 816 b to the middle line 902.

The plurality of through holes 910 are arranged so that flow resistancethrough the outer baffle 818 decreases along the direction from themiddle line 902 to the first end 818 a and along the direction from themiddle line 902 to the second end 818 b. The decreased flow resistanceenables a flow 908 from the middle line to the first end 818 a and fromthe middle line 902 to the second end 818 b thus facilitate equalizedflow along the length of the outer baffle 818. To achieve the decreasedresistance, the plurality of through holes 910 may vary in size and/ordistribution. In one embodiment, the plurality of through holes 910 areevenly distributed along the inner baffle while the size of theplurality of through holes 910 increases from the middle line 902 to thefirst end 818 a and from the middle line 902 to the second end 818 b. Inanother embodiment, the size of the plurality of through holes 910 isconstant while the density of the plurality of through holes 910increases from the middle line 902 to the first end 818 a and from themiddle line 902 to the second end 818 b. In another embodiment, the sizeof the plurality of through holes 910 increases from the middle line 902to the first end 818 a and from the middle line 902 to the second end818 b and the density of the plurality of through holes 910 increasesfrom the middle line 902 to the first end 818 a and from the middle line902 to the second end 818 b.

One embodiment of the present disclosure relates to an injectiondistribution device comprising a shield portion and a baffle portion.The baffle portion includes a first baffle having a plurality of firstopenings formed therethrough, and a second baffle having a plurality ofsecond openings formed therethrough, wherein at least a portion of thefirst baffle overlaps with the second baffle.

In one or more embodiments, the first baffle has a first end disposedclose to the shield portion and a second end disposed away from theshield portion, the plurality of first openings are arranged so that aflow resistance through the first baffle decreases along the directionfrom the first end to the second end.

In one or more embodiments, size of the plurality of first openingsincreases along the direction from the first end to the second end.

In one or more embodiments, density of the plurality of first openingsincreases along the direction from the first end to the second end.

In one or more embodiments, the second baffle has a first end disposedclose to the shield portion and a second end disposed away from theshield portion, the plurality of second openings are arranged so that aflow resistance through the second baffle increases along the directionfrom the first end to the second end.

In one or more embodiments, the plurality of second openings are of thesame size and evenly distributed along the second baffle.

In one or more embodiments, the baffle portion has a length betweenabout 15 ft to about 30 ft.

In one or more embodiments, the injection distribution device furtherincludes a second shield portion, wherein the shield portion and thesecond shield portion are disposed on opposite ends of the baffleportion.

One embodiment of the present disclosure provides an injection assemblyfor injecting fluid or steam to a formation zone. The injection assemblyincludes a base pipe including an inject port, a screen membersurrounding the base pipe, and an injection distribution device disposedbetween the base pipe and the screen member. The injection distributiondevice comprises a first baffle having a plurality of first openingsformed therethrough, and a second baffle having a plurality of secondopenings formed therethrough, wherein at least a portion of the firstbaffle overlaps with the second baffle

In one or more embodiments, the first baffle has a first end disposedadjacent to the port and a second end disposed away from the port, theplurality of first openings are arranged so that a flow resistancethrough the first baffle decreases along the direction from the firstend to the second end.

In one or more embodiments, the second baffle has a first end disposedadjacent to the port and a second end disposed away from the port, theplurality of second openings are arranged so that a flow resistancethrough the second baffle increases along the direction from the firstend to the second end.

In one or more embodiments, the plurality of second openings are of thesame size and evenly distributed along the second baffle.

In one or more embodiments, the baffle portion has a length betweenabout 15 ft to about 30 ft.

In one or more embodiments, the injection distribution device furthercomprises a shield portion disposed around the port in the base pipe.

In one or more embodiments, the injection assembly further includes asliding sleeve disposed inside the base pipe to selectively open andclose the inject port.

One embodiment of the present disclosure provides a method for supplyinga fluid into a formation zone. The method includes injecting a fluidfrom an interior of a base pipe to an exterior of the base pipe throughan inject port formed through the base pipe, shielding a screenmechanism surrounding the base pipe with a shield portion of aninjection distribution device and directing the flow of the fluid fromthe port towards a baffle portion of the injection distribution device,and flowing the fluid through one or more baffles in the baffle portionand a screen mechanism to the formation zone.

In one or more embodiments, the method further includes opening theinject port formed through the base pipe using a sliding sleeve disposedin the base pipe.

In one or more embodiments, the one or more baffles comprises a firstbaffle having a plurality of first openings formed therethrough, and thefirst baffle has a first end disposed close to the shield portion and asecond end disposed away from the shield portion, the plurality of firstopenings are arranged so that a flow resistance through the first baffledecreases along the direction from the first end to the second end. Inone or more embodiments, flowing the fluid through the one or morebaffles comprises directing the fluid in a distribution annulus betweenthe first baffle and the base pipe from the first end of the firstbaffle towards the second end of the first baffle.

In one or more embodiments, the one or more baffles further comprises asecond baffle having a plurality of second openings formed therethrough,and the second baffle is disposed concentrically outside the firstbaffle, the second baffle has a first end disposed close to the shieldportion and a second end disposed away from the shield portion, theplurality of second openings are arranged so that a flow resistancethrough the second baffle increases along the direction from the firstend to the second end. In one or more embodiments, flowing the fluidthrough the one or more baffles comprises directing the fluid in asecond distribution annulus between the second baffle and the firstbaffle from the second end of the second baffle towards the first end ofthe second baffle.

One embodiment of the present disclosure provides a method for injectingsteam or liquid to a formation zone. The method includes positioning aninjection distribution device between an inject port in a base pipe anda screen mechanism surrounding the base pipe. The injection distributiondevice comprises a tubular body having a shield portion and a baffleportion. The shield portion is disposed over the inject port of the basepipe. The baffle portion includes a first baffle having a plurality offirst openings formed therethrough, and a second baffle having aplurality of second openings formed therethrough, wherein at least aportion of the first baffle overlaps with the second baffle. The methodfurther includes injecting a flow of an injection steam or liquid froman interior of the base pipe to the formation zone through the injectport, the injection distribution device and the screen mechanism.

One embodiment of the present disclosure provides an injectiondistribution device including a first baffle having a plurality of firstopenings, and a second baffle having a plurality of second openings,wherein at least a portion of the second baffle overlap with the firstbaffle, and the plurality of second openings are arranged so that flowresistance of through the second baffle varies along a length of thesecond baffle.

In one or more embodiments, the flow resistance through the secondbaffle increases from a first end to a second along the length of thesecond baffle.

In one or more embodiments, the flow resistance through the secondbaffle increases from a first end to a center point and decreases fromthe center point to a second end.

In one or more embodiments, the flow resistance through the secondbaffle decreases from a first end to a center point and increases fromthe center point to a second end.

In one or more embodiments, the plurality of first openings are arrangedin a manner that a flow resistance through the first baffle decreasesfrom the first end to the second end along the length of the firstbaffle.

In one or more embodiments, the plurality of first openings are evenlydistributed along the first baffle.

One embodiment of the present disclosure provides an injectiondistribution device comprising a base tubular having a port, a firstbaffle disposed around the base tubular and having a plurality of firstopenings formed therethrough, and a second baffle having a plurality ofsecond openings formed therethrough, wherein at least a portion of thefirst baffle overlaps with the second baffle.

One embodiment of the present disclosure provides a method for supplyinga fluid into a formation zone. The method includes injecting the fluidfrom an interior of a base pipe to an exterior of the base pipe throughan inject port formed through the base pipe, directing the flow of fluidfrom the port along a first baffle disposed around the base pipe,allowing the fluid to selectively flow through a plurality of openingsin the first baffle, allowing the fluid from the first baffle toselectively flow through a plurality of openings in a second baffle, andflowing the fluid from the second baffle through a screen mechanism tothe formation zone.

One embodiment of the present disclosure provides a method for supplyinga fluid into a formation zone. The method includes injecting the fluidfrom an interior of a base pipe to an exterior of the base pipe throughan inject port formed through the base pipe, directing the flow of fluidfrom the port along a baffle disposed around the base pipe, wherein thebaffle includes a plurality of openings configured to vary the flowresistance through the baffle along a length of the baffle, allowing thefluid to selectively flow through the plurality of openings in thebaffle, and flowing the fluid from the baffle through a screen mechanismto the formation zone.

In one or more of the embodiments described herein, the first baffle isdisposed concentrically relative to the second baffle.

In one or more of the embodiments described herein, the first baffle hasan inner diameter that is larger than an outer diameter of the secondbaffle.

In one or more of the embodiments described herein, an annular area isdefined between the first baffle and the second baffle.

While the foregoing is directed to embodiments of the presentdisclosure, other and further embodiments may be devised withoutdeparting from the basic scope thereof, and the scope thereof isdetermined by the claims that follow.

1. An injection distribution device, comprising: a first baffle having aplurality of first openings; and a second baffle having a plurality ofsecond openings, wherein at least a portion of the second baffle overlapwith the first baffle, and the plurality of second openings are arrangedso that flow resistance of through the second baffle varies along alength of the second baffle.
 2. The injection distribution device ofclaim 1, wherein the flow resistance through the second baffle increasesfrom a first end to a second along the length of the second baffle. 3.The injection distribution device of claim 1, wherein the flowresistance through the second baffle increases from a first end to acenter point and decreases from the center point to a second end.
 4. Theinjection distribution device of claim 1, wherein the flow resistancethrough the second baffle decreases from a first end to a center pointand increases from the center point to a second end.
 5. The injectiondistribution device of claim 2, wherein the plurality of first openingsare arranged in a manner that a flow resistance through the first baffledecreases from the first end to the second end along the length of thefirst baffle.
 6. The injection distribution device of claim 2, whereinthe plurality of first openings are evenly distributed along the firstbaffle.
 7. The injection distribution device of claim 1, furthercomprising a shield portion connected to the first and second baffles,wherein the shield portion comprises: a base pipe including an injectport; a screen member surrounding the base pipe.
 8. The injectiondistribution device of claim 1, wherein the first baffle is disposedconcentrically relative to the second baffle.
 9. An injection assembly,comprising: a base pipe including an inject port; a screen membersurrounding the base pipe; and an injection distribution device disposedbetween the base pipe and the screen member, wherein the injectiondistribution device comprises: a first baffle having a plurality offirst openings formed therethrough; and a second baffle having aplurality of second openings formed therethrough, wherein at least aportion of the first baffle overlaps with the second baffle
 10. Theinjection assembly of claim 9, wherein the first baffle has a first enddisposed adjacent to the port and a second end disposed away from theport, the plurality of first openings are arranged so that a flowresistance through the first baffle decreases from the first end to thesecond end.
 11. The injection assembly of claim 10, wherein the secondbaffle has a first end disposed adjacent to the port and a second enddisposed away from the port, the plurality of second openings arearranged so that a flow resistance through the second baffle increasesfrom the first end to the second end.
 12. The injection assembly ofclaim 10, wherein the plurality of second openings are of the same sizeand evenly distributed along the second baffle.
 13. The injectionassembly of claim 9, wherein the baffle portion has a length betweenabout 15 ft to about 30 ft.
 14. The injection assembly of claim 10,wherein the injection distribution device further comprises a shieldportion disposed around the port in the base pipe.
 15. The injectionassembly of claim 9, further comprising a sliding sleeve disposed insidethe base pipe to selectively open and close the inject port.
 16. Amethod for supplying a fluid into a formation zone, comprising:injecting the fluid from an interior of a base pipe to an exterior ofthe base pipe through an inject port formed through the base pipe;directing the flow of fluid from the port along a baffle portiondisposed around the base pipe, wherein the baffle portion includes aplurality of openings configured to vary the flow resistance through thebaffle portion along a length of the baffle portion; allowing the fluidto selectively flow through the plurality of openings in the baffleportion; and flowing the fluid from the baffle through a screenmechanism to the formation zone.
 17. The method of claim 16, furthercomprising: shielding a screen mechanism surrounding the base pipe witha shield portion of an injection distribution device.
 18. The method ofclaim 17, further comprising: opening the inject port formed through thebase pipe using a sliding sleeve disposed in the base pipe.
 19. Themethod of claim 16, wherein the baffle portion comprises a first bafflehaving a plurality of first openings formed therethrough, and the firstbaffle has a first end disposed close to the shield portion and a secondend disposed away from the shield portion, the plurality of firstopenings are arranged so that a flow resistance through the first baffledecreases from the first end to the second end, wherein flowing thefluid through the baffle portion comprises directing the fluid in adistribution annulus between the first baffle and the base pipe from thefirst end of the first baffle towards the second end of the firstbaffle.
 20. The method of claim 19, wherein the baffle portion furthercomprises a second baffle having a plurality of second openings formedtherethrough, and the second baffle is disposed concentrically outsidethe first baffle, the second baffle has a first end disposed close tothe shield portion and a second end disposed away from the shieldportion, the plurality of second openings are arranged so that a flowresistance through the second baffle increases from the first end to thesecond end, wherein flowing the fluid through the baffle portioncomprises directing the fluid in a second distribution annulus betweenthe second baffle and the first baffle from the second end of the secondbaffle towards the first end of the second baffle.